Experts warn of emerging form of malaria

Humans could be at risk from a new form of malaria, experts have warned.

Malaria is caused by a parasite that is transmitted by infected mosquitoes when they bite their host.

Malaysian scientists have been studying a new form of the disease and confirmed that it could be deadly.

Plasmodium knowlesi was originally thought to mainly affect monkeys, but recent research revealed that it is actually widespread among humans in Malaysia.

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A new study, published in the journal Clinical Infectious Diseases, has now shed light on the clinical and laboratory features of human infection with P. knowlesi.

Professor Balbir Singh, from the University Malaysia Sarawak, said that the illness can easily be confused with P. malariae, another species of malaria found in tropical and subtropical regions that causes a 'benign' form of the disease.

'In fact, because the P. knowlesi parasites reproduce every 24 hours in the blood, the disease can be potentially fatal, so early diagnosis and appropriate treatment is essential,' he revealed.

'Understanding the most common features of the disease will be important in helping make this diagnosis and in planning appropriate clinical management.'

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